Balancing Barn

• Sleeps: 8
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4 (ensuite)
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

Thirty metres long, immaculately clad in reflective steel tiles, and ‘balanced’ over the Suffolk landscape for the most breathtaking views of the surrounding woodland, Balancing Barn makes a striking first impression.

Designed by a renowned team of Dutch architects, whose mission is to create “happy and adventurous places”, Balancing Barn is modelled on the old farm buildings that once dotted this rural area of Suffolk.  

Set on the edge of a nature reserve, close to both the coast and the historic towns of Aldeburgh and Walberswick, you can be assured of spectacular panoramic views, and plenty for everybody to do in the local area.

While it’s easy to think that all the design effort went into the barn’s dramatic suspension over the hillside, and those amazing tiles that reflect both woodland and sky, simply step inside for plenty more visual delights.

Ash-lined walls and ceilings are complemented by bespoke-designed lighting and furniture, with canvases and carpets based on paintings by John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough (both of whom painted in Suffolk).

There are four double bedrooms to choose from, with downy oak beds dressed in designer linen, and each one featuring en-suite bathroom facilities. Two of the rooms can be made into twins if needed, and two feature an in-room bath for a little extra indulgence.

Lounge in the luxuriously spacious sitting room, having chosen your favourite from the generous library of books provided, gazing out of the huge windows set into the floor, roof and walls…or simply firing up the wood-burner and gathering everybody round for a cosy chat over drinks.

At a glance

• An awe-inspiring, Dutch architect-designed barn for up to eight guests, privately set amongst six acres of Suffolk countryside that’s close to the Suffolk Heritage Coast, and the towns of Walberswick and Aldeburgh.
• Half of the thirty-metre barn is suspended over the hillside for the most spectacular views (with a swing underneath!) Ideal for a seriously special group break, or for those interested in unique design-led creativity.
• Easily accessed by car. The nearest rail stations are Darsham or Halesworth. Stansted Airport is just under two hours away by car.
• Each of the four double bedrooms (two can be made into twins if needed) include private en-suite facilities.
• Church Farm Marshes Nature Reserve is adjacent to the barn, with plenty of walks and cycle routes in the surrounding area. There are plenty of traditional pubs and shops to visit close by, and there is easy access to local transport links.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Large Groups

More information

There’s an equally spacious kitchen and dining area for preparing feasts and breaking bread in serious style – with kitchen equipment provided by the master designer David Mellor.

Meanwhile, you’ll have six private acres of gardens to read, laze and cook in, with an outdoor firepit for sizzling suppers and marshmallow toasting. There’s even a swing suspended from underneath the house, which kids both big and little will find hard to resist!

If you feel like exploring further afield, the adjacent Church Farm Marshes makes for the perfect start. A nature reserve with almost 140 acres of glorious Suffolk Wildlife Trust land to stroll through, simply bring your binoculars for some amazing birdwatching opportunities.

There’s plenty of scope for family days out in the local area too, not to mention sampling the world famous fare at Aldeburgh’s Fish and Chip Shop during a windswept day at the coast.

Things to note

Arrive after 3pm, depart by 10am. There is no TV aerial reception and WiFi and mobile reception can be intermittent, due to the rural location. The barn is family-friendly (please bring your own cot and high chair etc.), though regrettably pets are not permitted. Please bring your own beach towels.